Boxing Apr 18, 2026

Anthony Joshua makes first public appearance since close friends' deaths as he attends Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder fight in London

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By Admin
Sports Journalist
Anthony Joshua makes first public appearance since close friends' deaths as he attends Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder fight in London

Anthony Joshua made his first public appearance since the deaths of close friends Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele as he arrived at O2 Arena to support Derek Chisora.

Two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua was a passenger in a fatal car crash in Nigeria on December 29, which killed Ghami and Ayodele.

Joshua has kept a low profile in recent months and Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has reiterated 'AJ' needs time to heal, but the duo were together on Saturday for Chisora's 50th and possibly final fight of his career as he took on Deontay Wilder in London.

Dressed in a white tracksuit, Joshua emerged with Hearn from a black people carrier and cut a calm figure as he walked into the arena past a number of camera crews.

Chisora and Joshua both came from the same Finchley amateur boxing club and Joshua's management company also now represents Chisora.

There was no friendly welcome from old rival Wilder, who was repeatedly linked with a world title bout with Joshua during the peak of their powers.

The American went straight past the London heavyweight without any acknowledgement in a tight corridor inside the O2.

Joshua last fought before Christmas when he stopped YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, but speculation continues over a potential bout with Tyson Fury.

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